Stay the Course

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Where does the strength come from to continue down a path that is wrought with obstacles and no clear signs of progress?  When your best friend or loved one refuses to accept the salvation of the Lord, do you turn away and throw up your hands with an “Oh well, I tried.” philosophy?  There are countless testimonies and life stories about individuals that were at their absolute lowest point in life and have come to a moment of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ, only to later find out that someone had not given up on them.

Paul shares with us in 1 Corinthians 15 to stand firm, stay the course when we are challenged to see the fruits of our labor.  In Mark 9:38-39, we hear Jesus telling His disciples that those that perform miracles by His name cannot later say bad things about Him.  We cannot be praying for the salvation of our friends and have it turned against them or us.  Prayers and actions to introduce others to Jesus Christ are not in vain even though we may never see them come to fruition.  For it is not in our prideful state that we are to stand in our accomplishments.  All work for the Lord is to bring glory to Him and only Him.  We are but a tool, a servant of the Almighty Jehovah.

When you are tired and feeling as if your prayers are falling on deaf ears, kneel one more time and lift up your concerns to Him with praise and thanksgiving.  These are the times we are prone to give in to the world’s view.  We judge the results of our prayers by the rapidness of God’s response.  It is important to realize that God does not wear a wristwatch nor does He have a clock on His wall.  His time is infinite and it is His decision and only His decision when His glory is revealed to others.  Our job is to remain faithful and consistent in our communication of His message.  Stand firm in your belief and conviction, for you never know when those listening just might be receptive to hear His word.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
Help us to find strength in Your word.  The strength to go on and bring Your message to the masses.  Help us to avoid self righteousness in our actions and do everything to glorify You.  There are many to hear Your word, and we acknowledge that salvation is in Your hands alone.  Let us be busy spreading seeds for Your cultivation.  In Your name we pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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Who Was He

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

As foretold in Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Since that time things have never been the same.

His life was foretold by over 20 different people as far as 800 years before His birth. Everything from who His parents would be, where He would be born, what His life would stand for, His persecution, His death and His resurrection. Most historical figures and leaders lived a great life and then their story was captured and documented for the interest of educating the minds of the future. But He was not like other historical figures. Unlike any other person in the history of the world, Jesus Christ, was biography was written before He ever breathed His first breath.

God was with Adam in the Garden, with Moses on Mount Sinai and David in his battles. He was with many other individuals throughout the scriptures. He carried these hero’s and saints through their struggles, trials, hardships and their weakness’. God not only gave them insight through His authority and power on earth, He gave them the wisdom and confidence to know that He was always there for them, no matter what. Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac because he knew God would provide a lamb. David battled Goliath because he knew God would overcome. Job gave up everything he had and relied solely on God’s love and promise as disease and experiences near death came upon him. These are just a few examples of what happens when God is with someone.

Jesus means Immanuel, God With Us. This single statement was prophesied by Isaiah, and restated by the angel to Joseph in a dream. When God was with the saints of old, we saw how He protected, nurtured and cared for them. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, that exact power and blessing is available to all of us. He came to us because He knew we could not come to Him in our fleshy, sinful state. God’s desire is for us to be with Him for eternity, so He took it upon Himself to come to us, and walk side by side with us through this life to allow that reunion one day. He will carry us when we are weak, provide knowledge and insight into righteousness, convict us when we fall and set us back on a path of purpose for His kingdom. God is with us – that means you, me and everyone since Christ’ birth. It is upon us to seek His guidance and love. Some believe that this promise was only for those who walked with Jesus for those 33 years. This could not be farther from the truth. He promised us a comforter, counselor and teacher in the Holy Spirit to be with us always, until the day of His return. His death was not the end, but rather the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Immanuel, God is with us, lives on through His resurrection and continues to provide strength, love, security, comfort, help and wisdom if we only reach to Him.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You came to us through a child, born in the humblest of settings to fulfill a promise for all of mankind. You promised to walk with us, guide us and be our strength, if we would only turn to trust You. We come before You Lord, seeking Your will in our lives, Your wisdom and Your love. Just as You carried the saints of old through their struggles and temptations, guide our steps in a path of righteousness as well. Help us to recognize Your control and will in our life. In Your name we pray - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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